FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 2001
CONTACT:Leslee Williams[email protected]
Fred Peterson[email protected]312-440-2806
Dental News in Brief
ADA Reduces Frequency of HIV Health Screening for Dentists
CHICAGO -- Citing a lack of significant changes in HIV transmission risks associated with dentistry, the American Dental Association (ADA) now offers voluntary HIV screening to dental professionals every three years, instead of annually, at their national convention.
Since 1987, the ADA's Health Screening program has tested over 17,666 dentists. To date, only one HIV-infected dentist has been identified who reported having no risk factors for non-occupational exposure to HIV.
For 35 years, the ADA Health Foundation has sponsored a variety of health screenings and currently maintains the largest body of health data on dental professionals. These data have been used to formulate ADA positions and have led to modifications in practice recommendations to maintain the safety of dental offices for patients and dental staff.
Health screenings offered at the ADA's annual conventions included: cholesterol analysis, hepatitis B and C, blood pressure and weight, latex hypersensitivity, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Manual Versus Electric Toothbrushes
The American Dental Association (ADA) says manual toothbrushes can be just as effective as power toothbrushes. The key is that the user must effectively use the toothbrush. The ADA does not recommend a set time for how long consumers should brush, since time alone does not determine whether someone brushes thoroughly.
Talk with your dentist or hygienist about which toothbrush would best meet your needs and how to properly brush your teeth. Persons with motor skill impairments, such as arthritis, may find power toothbrushes especially helpful.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Toothbrushes with frayed bristles may harm gums and generally do not clean teeth as effectively.
Look for toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Before the Seal is awarded, a product must demonstrate that it meets ADA standards for safety and effectiveness. The ADA also scrutinizes all packaging and advertising for accepted products to determine that claims are scientifically supported and not misleading in fact or implication.
Consumers can obtain a list of ADA-approved manual and power toothbrushes by visiting the ADA Web site at www.ada.org.
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